Brazil declares three-day mourning following Pelé's death

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro declared a three-day official mourning for the death of Pelé.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who became known worldwide as Pelé, died on Thursday (29), at 82, at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, of multiple organ failure due to colon cancer. 

On his social media, the president expressed sorrow for the death of the King of Soccer. "We mourn the passing of a man who, through soccer, has taken the name of Brazil to the world. He transformed soccer into art and joy. May God comfort his family and welcome him in his infinite mercy," he wrote. 

Other Brazilian authorities also spoke out after the announcement of Pelé’s death. 

Senate head Rodrigo Pacheco (Social Democratic Party - PSD) said Pelé "was the most masterful soccer player that the world has seen on the field. He spread the name of Brazil wherever he went to.”

President of the House of Representatives Arthur Lira (Progressive Party - PP), stated the player dignified Brazil and its people. "The man Pelé leaves us, but the eternal Pelé will live forever."

Supreme Court’s president justice Rosa Weber said Pelé acted as "an artist of the ball, who enchanted generations with his talent."